Recently in Financial Forgiveness Category

Money problems, mounting bills or job loss can be very stressful on any relationship. When we are stressed, we are not always our best selves and it can be easy for couples to fall into the trap of anger and blame. Which is sort of like throwing gasoline on a fire...it simply causes the problems to get bigger and potentially out of control.

If you're relationship or marriage is being challenged by the recession, here's a few  tips that I recommend to help you through this challenging times:

1. Forgive yourself (and your spouse) for your financial circumstances. What's done is done, forgive and release it. You cannot rebuild your lives and the future if you are living in the past.

2. If you're heavily in debt and need help, contact the American Consumer Credit Counseling, a non-profit organization that can help you get back on track.http://www.consumercredit.com/

3. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and locate a certified credit counselor to in your area to help you. Remember, It's important to work with people who are properly trained and certified.

4. Remember that your core money issues get triggered when you are under stress, but they most likely did not originate in your marriage. They usually represent unhealed wounds from childhood that you each brought into the relationship. Have compassion for yourself and seek help to heal the wounds from the past.

5. It is so easy to focus on what's wrong that we often forget to remember what's good in our  relationship. Make a list of what is working in your relationship and what you truly love about your partner. Share this openly with one another. We all greatly need to be acknowledged.

6. Most financial differences are due to a failure to effectively communicate our needs, fears and grievances, which tend to accumulate over time. Learn to talk openly and calmly and without blame. If there is an issue that is irresolvable, seek professional guidance.

Here's a prayer for all those couples in need of help at this time:

Dear God,
Please help me and my beloved to move past
our personal and financial challenges.
Show us the way to forgiveness,
help us to release the past
and awaken to the gift of today which brings
new hope and opportunity to begin again.
Help us to recover from our financial struggles,
to become free from debt and learn
from our past experiences.
Please strengthen our faith in you and our relationship,
heal our wounds and return us to the heart of our love.
We surrender this you and know that it is done.
And so it is.
Amen.

When bad things happen and we experience a financial loss or hardship,  it's not unusual to want to place the blame on something or someone in order to cope with our feelings.  Anger and blame can be a way of feeling in control, but in actuality, it really only leaves us feeling powerless.

Some people lately are also blaming themselves for their financial challenges, thinking "if only I had done this" or, "I can't believe I did that" or, "what was I thinking?!!" This kind of blame only fuels our fear, anger and resentment and deepens the negative charge we have around the problem.

So, how do we release the harmful feelings and negativity around our financial circumstances?  

Forgiveness is a great tool for releasing negative thought and feelings which can be toxic and counter-productive. We are all looking for peace; peace of mind, body and spirit, right? In order to find it, it is very important to examine what our own responsibility is in the situation and to own our role in it. Once we have forgiven ourselves, it is easier to move forward to forgive others who have hurt or harmed us. 

Beliefnet contributor Joan Borysenko says that forgiveness helps us to create more empowerment, spaciousness and willingness to look at a larger point of view. Another reason to forgive is that it's good for you! According to author and forgiveness expert Fred Luskin, there is now scientific evidence that that  forgiveness can reduce anger, depression and stress, which ultimately will improve your physical and emotional health. 

 
Here are some key points to keep in mind when working through your forgiveness process.

1. Forgiveness is first and foremost for you. It is about taking back your power so that you can see and receive the good around you.

2. Forgiveness allows you to shift your perspective on what is happening. Recognize that your primary distress is coming from the hurt feelings and thoughts that are plaguing you, not what offended or hurt you ten minutes -- or ten years -- ago. Whether you are experiencing the loss of a job, your home or retirement savings, this loss is the real issue, not who did it to you. Grieving a loss is an important process in and of itself, but forgiveness is the first step. Anger often denies us access to the pain of loss. Forgiveness will help you clear the anger and resentment so that you can begin to feel the loss.

3. Forgiveness does not mean that you have to make amends with the person. They don't even have to know because it's not about them. Forgiveness offers you the opportunity to be at peace with the situation. This can be as simple as forgiving the investment company who managed your 401K, or Wall Street, or your mortgage broker. Make a list and forgive them so that you can be free of this energetically and emotionally.

4. Remember forgiveness is a process. It's not always easy and it takes time to heal. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to go through your own process. I recommend writing a forgiveness letter to get your feelings on paper. Through writing, you can express your feelings openly either directly to the person or even to yourself. You do not have to give the letter to the person you are forgiving, it is your own process for letting go and creating your "forgiveness story."

Ultimately, forgiveness is a step towards greater spiritual and emotional expansion. It allows you to create the space for letting go of negativie thoughts and feelings so that you can be free of the past and move forward to create the next chapter of your life.

Here's a wonderful prayer to assist you with this forgiveness process:

Dear God,

Please help me to release all judgements, resentments, mistakes and pain of the past. I no longer wish to be bound by these limitations. Help me to release the past and all its hurt so that I may once again live in peace and experience new possibilities and joy. I forgive myself and all others that may have caused me any harm. I surrender these things completely so that I may create a successful, abundant and prosperous life.

I surrender the past in order to make room to fully receive this moment and the future you desire for me. I offer my life as a clean slate into your hands. I choose to be free. Thank you for this day and this opportunity to begin again the blessing of this one great life which I willingly and gratefully receive. And so it is. Amen. 

~ Deborah Price 

Peace & Blessings!

For all those who are requesting help from our Financial Prayer Circle, please prayer for their spiritual and financial relief.

Here are some of the prayer requests for this week:

Gamy and his Wife has been struggling financially and they been waiting for the bank to approve them for there home for over 7 months now. The bank told them yes they could move in and now they told them NO!! Now they have to move out. And no place to go. They have 3 beautiful children...(read more.)

This prayer circle is for empowering single women with limited or no help in their lives. Give them a place to live this coming winter. Don't let them suffer under hunger and lack...(read more.)

Our business is not doing so well so it has been a financial struggle. We are going to lose our home. Needing your prayers for our finances and for our family...(read more.)

Here is a prayer for today:

Father, I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all Your creatures -
I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,

For you are my Father.

~ Charles de Foucauld

I have received many comments lately from readers who are having challenges moving forward financially due to mistakes they've made in the past, which have impacted their credit or even their ability to get housing or a job.

One of the first things I'd like to say to anyone who is experiencing these kinds of issues is that the FIRST and most important thing you can do is to FORGIVE yourself and any others that have contributed to your difficulties. Clear the slate and release the past. Just surrender it to God and be done with it. It is history unless you pack it up and carry it with you everyday, which can make moving forward very difficult.

Secondly, I have helped many people with bad credit or legal issues to get new housing and jobs. This is what I recommend that you do:

1. Write a letter (to be given to a potential employer or landlord) and explain your circumstances to them up front so there is no surprise. Tell them everything you have
done in your life to make amends for the past and to improve your life. Let them know who you are TODAY.

2. Get two or three letters of reference from people who can attest to the changes you've made...preferably not relatives, but your pastor, a friend or past employer.

3. Give your personal letter and these reference letters along with your application. Tell the potential employer or landlord that you would greatly appreciate a second chance...that you are a good person who will do everything in your power to be worthy of that chance.

People are more willing to help you if you're straight with them in the beginning and make an effort to help them see who you really are. Otherwise, all they have to work with is your credit score and/or your legal record, which is not by the way...who you are in the least. 

4. Say this prayer for Releasing the Past:

Dear God,

I pray to you today and ask that you help me to release all negative thoughts, feelings
and associations that I may be holding in connection with my personal and financial circumstances. Help me to release and forgive myself and any others who may have contributed to my circumstances.

Help me to release my attachment to my story of what happened so that I may be free to become who you would have me be. I surrender this work to you God, and know that as I release the past, I am creating the space to more fully embrace today and step forward into the rich potential of tomorrow.
 
I have learned from the past what I needed and now I set it free. I surrender my pain and suffering to you God and claim my future in faith and trust that better days and my greatest good are unfolding. I am grateful and humbled by my experience and hereby release it you. I consider it done and so it is. Amen.

~ Deborah Price


Peace & Blessings!

One of my favorite questions to ask people is: "How much is enough?" What is enough to make you feel completely safe, content and free to fully live your life without limitation?

Invariably when I ask this question people will throw out some randomly high number without really giving it much thought. Or, sometimes people just freeze and say, "Gee, I don't know...I've never really thought about it."

But few people actually have much of a knowing of how much enough is, which leads me to wonder: If we don't know how much is enough...what it looks or feels like, then how can we possibly begin to create it or recognize it when it arrives?

Co-author of the wonderful book "Your Money or Your Life", Vicki Robin wrote this "Pledge" that I thought I'd share with you to maybe inspire you to think about what "enough" is for you. 

"I pledge to discover how much is enough for me

be truly fulfilled, and to consume only that.

I also pledge to be part of the discovery

of how much would be enough for everyone

not only to survive but to thrive, and

to find ways for them to have access to that.

Through this commitment to restraint

and justice, I am healing my life

and I am part of the healing of the world."

~Vicki Robin


Now...just imagine the kind of world we could create if everyone just had enough and could be satisfied and fulfilled with simply that. No too much, not too little...but just enough.  

What does the concept of "enough" look like for you?

And would you be willing to accept less in order for everyone to have enough?

I am curious about these questions....so please send me your responses!

Peace & Blessings!

Please join our Financial Prayer Circle in prayer for our readers in financial despair. Laura is 48 years old and she has made some mistakes in her past, and everyone does a background check. This is what is keeping her...

I am a firm believer that the "art of living rich" is more a state of mind and way of being, than it is a state of economy. As a Money Coach and former financial advisor for over 20 years,...

I had a wonderful evening recently that I'd like to share with you. After a long and somewhat grueling day, I sat down in the quiet of my living room and watched Wayne Dyer's wonderful new film, "The Shift" and...

Managing our financial fears and debt related stress has become a way of life now for millions of Americans. It's important to learn healthy ways of coping with your money issues so as not to affect your health and well-being,...

Today's prayer is dedicated to the victims of the Sedona sweatlodge tragedy and their families. Prayer for Peace Lord, Make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, Let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where...

I was both saddened and dismayed by the recent deaths and injuries that occurred during self-help "guru" James Arthur Ray's "Spiritual Warrior" retreat in Sedona, Arizona last week. There are so many things about this retreat that are disturbing that...

One day New York history writer, Colin Beavan, found himself unable to write about the past any longer because he was simply too worried about the future. He was so concerned about global warming that he decided to start an...

Here is a beautiful blessing by the great Maya Angelou:Father, Mother, God, Thank you for your presence during the hard and mean days. For then we have you to lean upon. Thank you for your presence during the bright and...

Auspicious WishAt this very moment, for the peoples and the nations of the earth, May not even the names disease, war, famine, and suffering be heard. Rather may their moral conduct, merit, wealth, and prosperity increase, and may good fortune...

Here's a beautiful piece of wisdom to reflect on today: Always we hope someone else has the answer. Some other place will be better, some other time it will all turn out. This is it. no one else has the...

I receive many cries for help from people who are in despair over their financial circumstances, but this one today really moved me. The person did not leave there name, so I'm hoping she will read this as I would...

A BLESSING May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence. May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses. May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers...

Today was a sad day for all Americans who now stand as witness to the end of a family legacy of almost mythic proportion: The Kennedy Brotherhood. With Ted Kennedy's passing today we will most certainly experience a great loss...

I have always felt a strong pull and affinity toward the wisdom of Native Americans. In my reading recently, I ran across the Native American Code of Ethics and thought that it felt timely and worthy of sharing with you....

There have been a numerous reports recently about the economic woes of Las Vegas in the aftermath of the real estate collapse and the current recession. With unemployment figures of over 12 percent, the highest mortgage default rate in the...

The Journey By Mary Oliver One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice- though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug...

Accepting Abundance Today, I accept God's gift of abundance. Today everything that I AM and have, that is Good, is increased. I identify everything I do with success. I think affirmatively. And with all my prayers, I accept abundance. Whatever...

The Magician is the ideal Money Type and represents the person who is comfortable and at peace with both their inner landscape and the material world. At our best, when we are willing to heal the wounds of the past...

Lessons for lifePeople are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed...

-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships,so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.May God...

In times like this recession, it can be difficult to see and hear the good that is happening all around us. One great new movement that's taking place and worthy of paying attention to is called the "People's Stimulus Package." ...

One of the qualities that sets humans apart from other species is our ability to remember the past and make future decisions based upon our experiences. Humans are naturally planners and builders, drawing from our personal and collective knowledge. This...

Everyday, whether we realize it or not, our thoughts and actions are actively creating the world around us. Having an awareness of this is increasingly important if we wish to create greater abundance and prosperity in our lives and the...

It's tragic enough that Steve McNair died a violent death at such a young age, but even sadder yet that he died without a will or proper estate planning, which will greatly impact his wife and children. It's amazing...

I've been noticing lately how many people seem to have an angry or unhappy relationship with money. This is understandable given the recession, but it's unfortunate because money can be a really good friend and resource that can assist us...

One of our readers wrote in today talking about her fears around money. Here is what Diane  had to say: "I've always been bad at finances - guess it's due to lack of confidence I have a fear of math,...

Today's Money Coaching Monday is in response to Margaret's call for help with her marriage. Here's Margaret's prayer request: "I am praying that God will step in and make situation turn into a positive one and that my marriage can...

I've been noticing lately how many people seem to have an angry or unhappy relationship with money. This is understandable given the recession, but it's unfortunate because money can be a really good friend and resource that can assist us...

Today's Money Coaching Monday is in response to the comments made by Melonee and Suzanne who wrote in and shared their struggle in Overcoming and Making Peace with Debt. Here's what Melonee said: "Thank you Deborah. Your words really helped...

Happy 4th of July Everyone! As you celebrate our Independence Day, I ask you to take a minute to reflect upon what our Forefathers meant when they wrote "The Declaration of Independence." Their words are deeply profound and worth remembering...

It seems that almost everyone today is burdened by debt. Our government is in debt to the tune of 11 trillion dollars and we, its citizens have managed to accumulate over 2 trillion dollars in consumer debt alone. Which, if...

I find it sad that Michael Jackson, the king of pop, died this week and most of the news surrounding his death is about his financial life...how much his estate dropped in value, speculation of his net worth, how much...

Money issues can be the source of a great deal of stress and conflict in marriages. These conflicts can also be a wonderful opportunity to grow together and deepen the intimacy in our relationships. Without question, I have found in...

Do everything with a mind that lets go. Do not expect any praise or reward. If you let go a little, you will have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace....

In helping people identify and understand their money patterns and behaviors, I work with Money Types, or "archetypes." Money Types are not just another "label" meant to define you, but are a powerful way of helping people to gain awareness...

Everyone feels vulnerable when it comes to money. It's a core survival issue that can easily become triggered causing us to feel fearful, anxious, sad or angry. It's also an area of our lives that at times can feel out-of-control,...

Today's Money Coaching blog is for Connie who wrote in with the following money issues;"My name is Connie and I have a prayer need for myself and family. I recently lost my home of 15 years to foreclosure and if...

Dear God,We pray and ask for your love, light and guidance over the financial affairs of all your children.Forgive us our financial shortcomings,strengthen our courage and convictions in becomingmore personally and financially aware, responsible and enlightened.Help us to know the...

One of our Beliefnet readers wrote in last week expressing her concern about the amount of money that today's spiritual leaders and Guru's seem to make today. Here's what she said: "I am a bit disillusioned by the apparent amount...

Today's Money Coaching blog is in response to Danny who wrote in with the following situation:"It's been just a couple of weeks since I was laid off but the pressure from my wife to do better is sometimes disheartening. I...

This week I am responding to our reader Chris Leiss, who is asking for support around his marriage which has been greatly impacted by financial stress. This is his request: "I have been married for 24 years and am still...

I have often seen people retreat into fear or anger at the mere suggestion that perhaps they had issues with money they might want to examine. Everyone feels vulnerable when it comes to money. That we are fearful or get...

As financial pressures continue to mount many marriages are being strained and tested to their limit. Often, couples just don't know where to turn for help and guidance. Since our relationships are so valuable and important, it's critical that we...

Many of our readers are women and mothers who are experiencing a great deal of stress during this economic crisis. As a mother myself, I know just how hard it can be to carry the weight of managing family finances,...

Normal 0 Given the current economic crisis, many people are filled with fear, anger, and resentment, which can easily spill over into other areas of our lives. Millions have lost their homes, their jobs and retirement savings and feel...

Let's face it, not all our money problems can be blamed on a bad economy, Some of us are grappling with old habits and patterns that existed long before the crisis we are now experiencing worldwide. True, the financial crisis...

Yesterday we talked about the wisdom of history and how tales of Depression showed unity among people. Here are some ways you can make a difference: 1. Choose a local charity to give some time to every week, even an...

Normal 0 We all have money issues that can become triggered or magnified when financial pressures arise. Whether we we are married or in a committed relationship, our money issues and patterns often collide and create conflict that can...